Enes Kanter Freedom declares for 2027 WNBA draft

Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom has declared for the 2027 WNBA draft, a move widely characterized as a publicity stunt aimed at highlighting debates over transgender athlete eligibility in women's sports. Freedom, who has not played in the NBA since the 2021-22 season, announced his decision in a video posted to social media on Monday, August 10, 2026.

In the video, Freedom stated, "It's officially official. I have declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft in April." He accompanied the announcement with the message "Rules are rules!" and the hashtag #LetFreedomPlay. The 34-year-old, who legally changed his name after becoming a U.S. citizen in 2021, wore a shirt displaying the messages "Invest in women," "Pay women," and "Hire women."

The declaration immediately sparked widespread discussion about its intent and the WNBA's eligibility rules. Under the league's current framework, domestic draft entrants must be at least 22 years old in the draft year and meet college eligibility requirements, while international entrants must be at least 20. The WNBA has not indicated that Freedom is eligible to play.

Commentators quickly framed the announcement as a protest. Washington Examiner...